Home Inspectors Are Important

(Having a reliable, accurate and honest home inspector is a very important thing, especially in today's crazy market. )

Most people do not put much thought into who they hire, or the inspection itself, but the importance of this person and the inspection is a very important part of the home buying/selling process.

Contrary to popular belief, home inspectors do not give the value of a home (that's the appraiser), an inspector makes sure that all of the home's major components are in working order.

If you do not hire a good inspector to take a look at the home before you buy it, you could end up with a lot of problems down the line.

A November 10, 2006 article by Selena Maranjian of fool.com, "Newfangled home inspections," discusses how choosing a qualified home inspector is a very important part of buying a new home.

New technologies and techniques have even been developed that make inspecting a home an even more intricate process; where inspectors can detect things they normally couldn't in the past.

"If you last bought a house several decades ago, you might be surprised by some developments in home inspections. Before I discuss them, let me back up to introduce the overall topic."

"First off, don't use a home inspector referred by a traditional agent, because the agent is aligned with the seller of the house. If you're using a buyer broker, it's fine to go with a referral from him or her. But also make sure the inspector provides references. (If he or she is reluctant to provide them, say sayonara.)"

Referrals from friends or other trusted sources are probably the best way to go, because these people will give you an honest opinion about the inspector. Also, before you even hire, check with the American Society of Home Inspectors to be sure they have adequate training and experience.

"Make sure that you can accompany any inspector on the inspection, and do accompany him or her, observing what they do. If they're good at the job, they'll be able to suggest solutions for minor imperfections that may turn up. In addition, you'll want them to carry 'errors and omissions' insurance, which will cover you if they goof and miss something costly."

In some cases you can also purchase a home warranty which protects you from any unforeseen repairs in the future. To protect yourself even further from coming across a problem down the line, employ an inspector who uses top of the line technology.

"I use Infra-red thermography and a host of electronic tools to evaluate the condition of the major components of a home. I find items that will cost the new home owner money to fix or repair that they are not usually aware of. The cost is minimal and the return is valuable."

"Thermal-image cameras can help inspectors zero in on damage to roofs, heat-loss areas, incoming moisture, and the integrity of concrete, among other things. The inspector basically uses a very expensive camera to view things we normally can't see."

Also, check and see if the inspector you hire also tests for mold and radon, which can eliminate a lot of stress and headache in the future.

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